What's special about Saboutime Sailing?

When you step aboard "Saboutime", you're beginning a voyage on a beautiful, classic sailing vessel. Designed as a cruising boat, she's spacious, full of varnished teak and comfortable. She is exceptionally seaworthy, and safe. Come aboard and you’re instantly surrounded with all the beauty and grace of the grand sailing yachts of the past. Your sailing with us will be private, unhurried and tailored as much as possible to your individual desires and wishes.

How many passengers will be on the boat?

We take no more than six passengers. We will sail with a minimum of two passengers. We do our best to provide an elegant, private, uncrowded, memorable experience for each client.

What are daytime sails like?

We will leave from the Marco River Marina, bound for the Gulf of Mexico for a three-hour sailing adventure. On the way, we will travel out the Big Marco River, with Marco Island to port and the Isles of Capri to starboard. There's lots of sightseeing to be done on this portion of the voyage. We usually see lots of wild life along the way, such as bottlenose dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, pelicans, gulls, terns, frigate birds, ospreys and maybe an eagle. If we can, we'll interrupt the trip to get "up close and personal".

Once we're in the Gulf, we'll sail where the wind lets us go. This is the best, because "Saboutime" is a glorious sailing machine. Relax, lend a hand or take a turn at the wheel. The boat's yours. Immerse yourself in the sounds of the wind and bow wave, the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.

What are sunset sails like?

Sunsets on the Gulf Coast of Florida are spectacular and our Sunset Sails are really something special. We'll sail west out Capri Pass into the Gulf of Mexico and into the sunset. Along the way, we usually encounter much of the wild life we usually see on our day trips and, in addition, we may see some of the species only seen at dawn or dusk.

As the sun drops below the horizon, we'll watch amazing colors, fabulous cloud formations and maybe even the famous green flash. The view you'll have from "Saboutime" is clear and unobstructed to the horizon, unmatched and magic.

As the night comes up, the moon and stars begin to show themselves and the land gets dark. Soon, the only lights are from navigation buoys and the buildings ashore. We'll sail home through this tranquil beauty.

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

We highly recommend that you purchase tickets in advance, as sails do sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day that you prefer, please book well in advance!

Can I purchase tickets at the dock without a reservation?

If there have not been any reservations made two hours prior to a scheduled trip, there is no guarantee the trip will go out. On the other hand, if we’re going out with a previously scheduled trip and there’s room on board, you’re more than welcome to join us. We take no more than six passengers on any trip though. All in all, to be certain you can sail with us at the time you’d like, it would be best for you to make a reservation.

Where do we meet to begin the trip?

Meet Captain John in front of the Ship’s Store at the Rose Marco River Marina, 951 Bald Eagle Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145. There are several benches under an awning right outside the door, and that’s a good place to meet.

When should we be there?

It’s a good idea to try to arrive about a half an hour before the scheduled departure time. That will allow for a little extra time to park your car, do the small amount of pre-trip paperwork and get off to a relaxed start.

Do I have to call if I will be late?

You are responsible to call at least one half hour before the scheduled departure time if you are going to be late. We will do our best to hold the trip for you, as long as our doing so will not inconvenience the other passengers or jeopardize the sailing schedule. If you call and we can't hold the trip, we'll try to reschedule you to another day or time or issue you a credit for a future trip. If you are late and miss the departure time, but haven't called, we will be forced to consider you a "no show", and you will forfeit your ticket and not receive a refund.

How tightly do you run the schedule?

We do our best to leave the dock on time. Because we focus on sailing, we often get back a little later that the schedule states. We love to sail too (that’s really why we’re doing this), so, if you need to get back right on time, please let Captain John know at the start of the trip.

What happens if the trip is sold out?

Unfortunately, we do not have a waiting list for our sails, so please book well in advance to ensure getting the day of your preference.

What happens if it rains?

Saboutime Sailing will run in all light weather conditions (a little rain never hurt anyone). In the rare event that we have to cancel a sail due to severe weather, you will have the opportunity to reschedule your tickets subject to availability or receive credit for a future event.

Can children go on the sail?

We think sailing is something special for the whole family, especially for children. We’ve found that kids love all the aspects of sailing and love to lend a hand or even take a turn at the wheel. We’re sorry, but we do not offer reduced rates for children because we can only accommodate six passengers per trip. In an effort to keep costs down, we do offer a "Family Cruise" at reduced rates for those with children 16 and under.  Please refer to our Cruise page.

How far will the boat go out?

We usually travel a course that takes us between two and three miles from shore depending on the day's weather.

How fast does the Saboutime go?

Depending on the wind, Saboutime can travel as fast as 7 knots or so. No matter how fast she is going, you’ll be close to the action and the feel of a marvelous sailing machine at home in her element.

Are food and beverages available on board?

We provide soft drinks, bottled water and ice. You’re more than welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages, including beer or wine. No red wine, please. It stains our decks. You may bring a small picnic basket sized cooler if you like.

May I bring hard liquor?

Sure. Feel free to bring whatever beverage you like, but please remember to also bring all the mixes, plastic drink glasses and other paraphernalia you’ll need for your special concoctions. Please remember that for reasons of safety we do not allow glass containers aboard, and that we will have to make an exception to that rule for the hard liquor bottles themselves.

Can I bring a personal cooler/ice chest with me?

You may bring a small personal cooler (the size of a knapsack or picnic cooler), but please do not bring any large coolers with you. We provide an ice chest on board for you to store your food and beverages as well.

What should I wear on the sail?

It’s a good idea to dress in layers, since it is often cooler out on the water than on land. Don’t forget your sunglasses, sun tan lotion and a hat.

What type of shoes should I wear?

It’s best to wear the type of shoe usually advertised as “deck shoes”. In general, these have non-slip, non-marking white soles and come in the form of moccasins such as topsiders or canvas sneakers. Do not wear shoes with black soles that will mark the deck. If you are wearing these or other types of shoes such as leather soled dress shoes, high heels, platform shoes, boots, flip-flops and the like that are either unsafe or will damage the boat, and you will be asked to remove them. We usually wear Crocks on terra firma and go barefoot on the boat.

Are there bathrooms on board?

Yes, there is a head (bathroom) on Saboutime for your use.

Do you have life jackets on board?

Yes. We carry life jackets on board for each and every passenger. We also carry several child-sized life jackets for those of you who want your children to wear a PFD while aboard. We do not carry infant-sized lifejackets, so clients having children of this age are advised to bring their own. We do not require anyone to wear a life jacket during the trip.

Will I get seasick?

Most of our passengers have no problem in this regard. Fortunately, the Gulf of Mexico waters are friendly and not too choppy. We do our best to navigate in the most “sea Kindly” manner as well, and strive to give you a smooth ride.

If you have a tendency to get seasick, please take preventative measures beforehand. We can’t recommend medicines, but some people have had luck with anti-motion medications such as Dramamine, while others rely on herbal cures like ginger. In general, you know yourself, and we suggest you do what you have found best in the past.

Should I tip the crew?

We work as hard as we can to make your time aboard Saboutime a wonderful experience.  As with any service industry, it is customary to tip those who serve you.  In general, 15% to 20% is considered the usual amount, and would certainly be appreciated.  The crew depends on tips for a significant portion of their earnings.

 Can I go shelling, swimming or land on a beach?

Yes, we offer shelling and beach party visits as an option you can do while on a daytime charter. We'll land on Tigertail Beach, Sand Dollar Island or Keewyden Island. Our shelling cruises last an extra hour and put you ashore for fun and frolic in the sun. There are additional charges to cover the cost of bringing a dinghy and the additional hour it will take to bring you on and off shore. We have some of the most beautiful beaches and finest shelling available. Pack a picnic lunch or take advantage of our catering and make a real special day of it.  Please visit our Cruise Page for details.

Can I book a private charter?

Yes. Any of our regular trips can be booked as a private charter, assuring you will have the boat to yourselves. Saboutime is also available for private party trips of longer duration, day or night, and any other type of special event. For more information, please visit our Cruise Page or contact Captain John.

Are gift certificates available?

Yes. If you are interested in gift certificates, please contact Captain John.

What if my question isn’t answered on this website?

Please email or call Captain John at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   or (207) 475-6248.